Resort

Alila Yangshuo

$$Hot List 2018

The clever redesign of this 1960s sugar mill is near-perfect, transforming the molasses storage tank into the Spa Alila, its boiler room into a library, and water pump room into a private dining space (popular with marriage proposals).

TL;DR

Sugar mill conversion

First impression

Staff

Bed & Bath

The crowd

Our Review

How did it strike you on arrival?Architect Dong Gong of Vector Architects and interior designer Ju Bin of Horizontal Space Design transformed this Cultural Revolution-era sugar mill (built in 1969) in Yangshuo, Guilin into a contemporary resort that pays tribute to the site’s past, which also blends in perfectly with the world famous Karst mountains and caves in the area.

Nice. What's the crowd like?Mostly Chinese, but an increasing number of adventurous foreigners looking to explore the surrounding culture and scenery of the area—a 90-minute flight northwest of Hong Kong.

The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Rooms feature local materials like bamboo, mountain stone, reclaimed wood from the sugar mill’s old buildings, and a type of concrete indigenous to the region. There are lots of strong, clean lines softened by views of outside greenery and water elements like the riverside pool and water valley square. The use of industrial design elements makes total sense here.

How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?If there's one thing I'd like to bring home it's one of the patriotic propaganda slogan signs on the walls that were restored instead of covered-up and reflect one of China's most volatile eras in modern history.

What about the food? Delectable or dire?The best way to enjoy all the local delicacies is by ordering the ‘Yangshuo Flavor’ sample platter in the Sugar House restaurant that includes famous wok-fried Guilin rice noodles (a must-have when visiting the region), local savory and sweet rice cakes, roasted whole-fish with scallions, and stir-fried vegetables—many grown in nearby farms. The 1969 Bar, once a pressing room, today feature a selection of sugar cane-based cocktails like the ‘Path of Sugar House’ with sugarcane juice, sea salt, lemon juice, and Napoleon brandy.

Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Activities abound here, organized in to five themes: Cultural Learning, Conscious Living, Active Spirits, Culinary Arts, and Couple Celebration. They include on-site outdoor rock climbing to connect and take advantage of Yangshuo’s mountainous topography (weather permitting), sugar-making classes to understand the compound’s former life as a mill, and Tai Chi classes in the mornings by the riverside pool (weather permitting) to connect with Chinese culture.

Bottom line: worth it, and why?The clever redesign of this 1960s sugar mill is near-perfect, transforming the molasses storage tank into the Spa Alila, its boiler room into a library, and water pump room into a private dining space (popular with marriage proposals).